The Port of Los Angeles has recently seen a massive change in its operations. Yusun Terminals spearheaded the adoption of electric forklifts to move heavy cargo using clean energy. This is part of the port's goal to transform its operations into zero-emissions, centering on its long-term goals to adopt clean energy and phase out internal combustion machines in the future.
Five electric forklifts are already operational on Yusun Terminals' side, replacing its previous fleet of diesel-powered forklifts.
Electric Forklifts Now Operational in Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles revealed the country's first operational electric forklifts, adopted by Yusun Terminals to handle cargo and its movement in the seaport. Five battery-powered forklifts have replaced the diesel-powered machines that were used before, leaving behind the massively polluting internal combustion engines.
It was made possible thanks to Taylor Machine Works' ZLC 996 cargo handlers, which are powered by a 650V electric drivetrain and can operate for two full shifts on one single charge.
The Taylor Machine Works' electric forklifts also came with a 180kW DC fast charger, which only needs five hours to be full and ready to work again.
Zero Emissions Operations in LA's Port Soon
There are currently 215 diesel top handlers in the Port of LA, and they revealed that this accounts for 30 percent of all the emissions from the equipment operating at its terminals. However, that will soon change in 2030 as the Port of Los Angeles will deploy ZE top handlers in 2030.
Electric and Clean Energy Forklifts
The move towards zero-net emissions and a carbon-free world is still a challenge that needs the brightest minds and environmentally friendly devices or machines, among many other factors, to work together to achieve the goal.
However, it should start somewhere, and that's where electric vehicles shine. Not only that, but the likes of Walmart also set out to acquire electric forklifts from Fox Robotics, powered by generative AI for autonomous operations.
Amazon is also one to move forward with clean energy solutions for its operations, and it previously pledged to develop hydrogen power for carbon-free operations. This in-house power development would significantly boost the company's fulfillment centers, partnering with Plug Power to transform its forklifts to use hydrogen fuel cells.
Zero emissions lie in using clean energy for everyday transportation and the massive industries and daily operations around us, including seaports, airports, cargo hauling, and more. Yusun Terminals led this change in the Port of Los Angeles, but that would not be the end, as it soon delivered zero-emissions operations for massive improvements.